The Choirboy

“Perhaps the most difficult creature on the earth to analyze is the choirboy. He is a curious combination of angel and imp – the voice like an angel, the frog in the back pocket, and the boundless energy that only a young boy can possess or understand. The sound of a choirboy is a fleeting, hauntingly beautiful thing, precious because of its unique quality, perhaps doubly so because of the short time such a voice is among us.

The choirboy is all boy. Any director can attest to that. Yet, while he involves himself in boyish activities in everyday life, he must develop – within the framework of the Boychoir – deep sense of musicianship and maturity far beyond his years. What a marvelous preparation for manhood! The experiences of a boysinger come at a time when his preadolescent mind is clear of most traumatic distractions. He learns rapidly and retains well. Best of all, he relishes each new performance adventure with genuine enthusiasm, and remembers it vividly – perhaps all his life.

A choirboy learns to accept the challenges of making music, and in so doing he acquires poise and confidence in himself, both as an individual and as a musician. He learns self-sacrifice in giving up his time for long, often grueling rehearsals. He learns to blend his mind and voice with his fellow singers into the most phenomenal of all corporate activities, the making of music. He learns to appreciate things beautiful, and develops the aesthetic sensitivity to the point where he consistently expects of himself the highest standards attainable.”

– Jerome L. Wright

Audition Information & Eligibility

The Houston Boychoir currently consists of two choirs characterized by their corresponding skill levels and commitment obligations: the beginning Preparatory Choir and the advanced Chamber Choir. Membership is open to all boys with unchanged voices, ages 8 to 14, who demonstrate willingness to learn, vocal talent, musical aptitude and a strong level of commitment. Auditions are held annually each spring at various locations and periodically throughout the year. For more information about the Houston Boychoir and for booking details, please call 281.484.1560 or send an e-mail to Houston Boychoir.

Houston Boychoir members will:
▸ be between the ages of 8 & 12, at least 3rd grade, with treble (i.e. unchanged) voices,
▸ sing with a clear tone that blends well with others,
▸ have a good sense of pitch and intonation,
▸ display discipline and self-control,
▸ be able to take instruction well.

In the audition, boys will be asked to:
▸ demonstrate vocal range and ability to match pitch,
▸ repeat rhythmic and musical patterns as dictated,
▸ answer questions about themselves and their interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for HBC membership?
Any boy with a treble (i.e. unchanged) voice, ages 8 to 12, who also passes the audition requirements.

What happens at the audition?
Boys are scheduled to audition individually for a director from the Houston Boychoir Artistic Staff. At that time their vocal range is determined and their melodic and rhythmic aptitude is assessed. The entire process takes approximately 15-20 minutes and is conducted in the form of a friendly interview. Candidates are encouraged to be relaxed and to ask questions during the audition.

What happens after the audition?
All candidates will be notified as to their status by mail. Those boys selected for membership are placed into the Choir that corresponds to their skill level. Most applicants begin in the Preparatory Choir.

How many different Choirs does HBC have?
There are currently two Choirs that make up Houston Boychoir:

Preparatory Choir (beginning)
Chamber Choir (advanced)

**All Choirs require a one-year commitment**

When and where are HBC rehearsals held?
The Preparatory Choir at two convenient locations: Christ the King Lutheran Church and Memorial City Mall at the Virtuosi of Houston Studio from 4:45PM to 6:30PM on Mondays. The Chamber Choir rehearses at Christ the King Lutheran Church from 5:45pm to 7:15pm on Mondays and Thursdays. In addition, all Choirs meet once a month for Saturday morning workshops (September-May).

When and where are HBC performances?
Every effort is made to provide our Choirs with as many positive performance opportunities as possible. In addition to the annual Winter and Spring Concerts, there are usually one or two other public performances per semester. Our current concert season begins in August, runs through May and is immediately followed by the Chamber Choir tour in early June. Actual performance schedules will vary from season to season.

What expenses can be expected?
All choristers pay tuition on an annual basis (payment plans available).

Certain wardrobe items for performances and workshops are also required at an average cost of $75-$100 per chorister.

Note: **Scholarships are available upon application** No qualified chorister is ever denied a position with Houston Boychoir based solely upon the ability to pay.

How are the activities of HBC determined?
The entire Houston Boychoir experience is an educational process that is carefully planned and guided by our staff of artistic directors and backed by forty plus years of performance history.

The Houston Boychoir is dedicated to providing quality musical training combined with educational experiences in a supportive and fun filled environment.

How do I apply for membership?
It’s simple! You can request an audition through our Contact tab on our website. You can also call our office at 281.484.1560. We look forward to hearing from you!

What are the Benefits of being in Houston Boychoir?
The benefits of participating in Houston Boychoir are significant
Choristers learn respect – for teachers, for parents, for each other.